Rachel is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin. It means "ewe" or "female sheep". In the Bible, Rachel was the favorite wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. She was also known for her beauty and kindness.
The name Rachel has been popular throughout history. It was a common name among Jews in the Middle Ages, and it was also used by Christians during the Renaissance. Today, Rachel remains a popular name worldwide, with many variations such as Rachael, Rachelle, and Rakel.
In literature and art, Rachel has been portrayed in various ways. In the famous play "Rachel" by Jean Giraudoux, she is depicted as a charming and intelligent woman who uses her wit to outsmart men. In Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre", Rachel is a character who embodies passion and intensity.
Overall, Rachel is a beautiful name with a rich history that has been loved by many throughout the centuries. Its biblical origins give it a sense of timelessness, while its meaning as "ewe" or "female sheep" lends it a gentle and nurturing quality.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Rachael has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1968 to 1970, the name Rachael was given to an average of approximately 5-6 babies each year. However, there was a notable increase starting from 1979 when 10 babies were named Rachael. The popularity of the name peaked in 1982 with 14 births and remained relatively high until 1987 with 17 births.
After 1987, the popularity of the name began to decline. In 1988 and 1989, there were still a significant number of babies named Rachael (9 and 16 respectively), but this number dropped significantly in the following years. By 2004, the number of births with the name Rachael had decreased to 6.
Overall, over the course of these years, a total of 181 babies were given the name Rachael in the United States. This name has seen peaks and troughs in popularity over time but remains a relatively uncommon choice compared to many other names.